Duckling Runs Away

Duckling Runs Away by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Vivienne To (Allen & Unwin) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761065804

So often small children become annoyed with their parents and decide to run away. So, it is with Duckling who squabbles with her mother saying, ‘I’m never coming back. Never ever!’ She sees some chicks who, playing hopscotch, invite her to join them, but no, Duckling is running away! On her journey she is asked by dogs, kittens, piglets, lambs, and bunnies to join them in their respective games. But, because she is running away, Duckling always declines.

Darkness begins to fall, and Duckling suddenly realises she doesn’t know why she is running away. An owl asks if she’s lost, and Duckling says she knows exactly where she needs to be. She turns back and as she waddles on, she passes all the baby animals snuggled in sleep with their mothers. She finishes – of course -- in the warm wings of her mother.

The illustrations not only show Duckling and her adventures, but To colours the pages to show daylight merging into night.

This is a book which young readers are likely to have as a bedtime story. It’s a reassuring story about love and trust that shows a mother’s love is always near, and forgiveness is always there from one’s parents. The book is likely to appeal to children aged from 2 to 5 years.

Pink

Pink by Margaret Wild and Judith Rossell, (Harper Collins), July 2020, HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781460757499

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

 

Pink is an adorable and endearing dinosaur that you can’t help but fall in love with. She is pink and pretty and sweet. But this doesn’t help Pink in her favourite game, Hide and Seek. Being pink means she’s always the first one to be found. Pink would much rather be brave and smart and not stand out from the crowd. Accepting who you are is hard when all you want to do is fit in.

But this changes when Pink follows the other dinosaurs as they play hide-and-seek and they all get terribly lost. Darkness is closing in and time is running out so Pink scrambles to the top of a hill. There she can easily be spotted and find help for her friends. Two of her wishes have come true. Will Pink’s wish to be able to play hide-and-seek without being found come true too?

Margaret Wild’s writing voice shines and she uses the power of three to great effect. Her word choices and dialogue are in all the right places. The page turns are delightful, and the pace and flow of the story allow the reader to fully enjoy and engage with the story. 

Judith Russell is a perfect choice as the illustrator. Her bright, lush green illustrations and splashes of yellow are paired with pink to great effect. The illustrations cleverly draw the eye to all the right places at all the right times. The double page spreads bring the world of the dinosaurs to life with the juicy green jungle as their playground. The expressions upon the dinosaur faces speak to the reader and light up their imagination.

Pink the picture book is created by an award-winning author and an award-winning illustrator. It is a winning combination. This gorgeous book is perfect for the 2-5 years age group.

Old Pig

Old Pig written by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Ron Brooks (Allen and Unwin) HB RRP $24.99  ISBN 9781760293895

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

It’s hard to believe it has been over 20 years since Old Pig, a heartwarming tale about the circle of life, won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award (1995). Thereafter, it went on to receive a number of other awards and nominations around the globe!

Granddaughter and Old Pig have lived together for a very long time, sharing everything – including their daily chores. When Old Pig hints that she might not ‘live forever’, Granddaughter feels afraid. Then Old Pig starts to feel tired and, one day, doesn’t even get out of bed. Granddaughter is very worried. When Old Pig forces herself to get out of the house the next day, saying she has lots to do and ‘must be prepared’, Granddaughter knows she must soon say good bye.

Old Pig sets about returning library books, closing accounts and paying bills. Then she comes back for Granddaughter and, together, they take a walk around the town so Old Pig can ‘feast’, but not on food … ‘on the trees, the flowers, the sky – on everything!’ What follows is a beautiful celebration of the senses and of nature. Old Pig teaches Granddaughter to appreciate the colours, smells, sounds and tastes of the world. In the heartwarming end to the story, Granddaughter holds Pig tightly as she sleeps – just like Old Pig used to hold her at night when she was little.

Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks have brought us much joy with their countless contributions to children’s literature. (They are also the award-winning team behind the book Fox, which won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award in 2001.)

Ron Brooks’ expressive illustrations are well suited to the thought-provoking text. His gentle line work – subtle forehead creases, downcast eyes or mouths and posture – perfectly evokes the emotions of the pigs. It is wonderful to see this new hardcover release of the book, marking its 20-year anniversary. It will no doubt touch the hearts of a whole new generation of young readers.

The Pocket Dogs and the Lost Kitten

The Pocket Dogs and the Lost Kitten by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-105-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Biff and Buff are two little dogs who love to ride in their owners’ pockets. They have a very comfortable life until one stormy night Mr Pockets rescues a little lost kitten. At first they like the kitten - she is sweet, tiny and playful - but then the dogs begin to notice the time Mr Pockets spends with their new housemate. After having him all to themselves, the pocket dogs now have to share Mr Pockets.

This is a gentle story with a solid message about sharing and seeing the different qualities in everyone. The cuteness of the pocket dogs, Biff and Buff, will get the attention of young children. They story will resonate with those struggling with the sibling jealousy which often arises when a new baby arrives in the home. It can be hard to adjust to newcomers and to sharing the attentions of Mum and Dad.

The exquisite illustrations of Stephen Michael King help to give this story levity, humour and some very memorable animals. The warmth of Mr Pockets shines through the pictures as much as through Wild’s words.

The Pocket Dogs and the Lost Kitten is a heart-warming story of love and sharing and would make a wonderful bedtime story for toddlers and young children.

Our Baby

Our Baby by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Karen Blair (Working Title Press) HB RRP $24

ISBN 9781921504

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Both the author and illustrator of this new picture book for very young children are award-winning. The reasons for this are once again demonstrated in their exceptional craft in Our Baby. The text starts with ‘Some babies have a mum and a dad’ and proceeds to relate the different kinds of families babies are born into. Then there are the types of babies there are (some with … ‘snotty noses, tiny shrimp toes, tufty hair, dandelion hair, gummy smile, or one tooth.’) We read about the lives of babies, what they do, where they go, what they like, how they behave. The narrator is a baby’s young sister whose parents are bi-racial – mum white-skinned, dad dark-skinned. At the end of the story they curl up – mum, dad, baby and sister – in bed. ‘We are lucky, lucky, lucky to have our baby!’ declares sister on the last page.

Thus the book is an ode to having a baby in the family, whatever kind of family one has. Wild has a gift for language, with the words of this book tripping along lightly, making obvious the joys of being a baby and having a baby. Her simple sentences and joyfulness is complimented by Blair’s delicate and engaging watercolour illustrations set in lots of white background. We see a baby wrapped in a dad’s arm while Dad drinks coffee in a café and baby drops crumbs to pigeons at his feet. In another illustration, the little narrator’s dad reads a book to baby while sister sits at a school desk, also reading. Then there are babies rolling, dancing, crawling and bouncing; babies playing, ‘dropping things in the toilet, or building a tower of bricks.’

Yes, the best word to describe this book is ‘joy.’ The story can – and should – be read over and over again, the lively and amusing pictures looked at frequently, too. This lovely book is sure to be a hit with parents who have small children and babies. And with pre-schoolers whose teachers share the book with them.

Bogtrotter

Bogtrotter by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Judith Rossell (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9781921977558

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

When you don’t know what or who or why, just try - something new.

Bogtrotter’s life was predictable; even boring to say the least. He did the same thing every day. A question from a frog changed his world.

The first thing he notices is the flower between his toes.  Hope can be born through one flower. Hope makes you daring. You feel you can speak to others. Sharing words can bring a smile to your lips. A smile can make you happy. Happiness makes you notice things around you.

Bogtrotter still didn’t know what or who or why. Why did all these things come into his life?  Then he saw the frog again. The frog’s ‘why not?’ made the Bogtrotter think.

This is a brilliant and thought-provoking picture book for all ages. It dares you to move out of your comfort zone; to try new things. It encourages the discovery of everyday life and its joys, and uncovers the freedom this discovery brings.

With stunning watercolour illustrations in shades of green and blue throughout, I loved this book. The daisy chains on the end pages seemed like a metaphor for all these themes that joined together. This inspiring book is full of hope and the possibilities that come with change.

Our Baby

Our Baby by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Karen Blair (Working Title Press)

HB RRP $24

ISBN 9781921504

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Both the author and illustrator of this new picture book for very young children are award-winning. The reasons for this are once again demonstrated in their exceptional craft in Our Baby. 

The text starts with ‘Some babies have a mum and a dad’ and proceeds to relate the different kinds of families babies are born into. Then there are the types of babies (some with … ‘snotty noses, tiny shrimp toes, tufty hair, dandelion hair, gummy smile, or one tooth.’) We read about the lives of babies, what they do, where they go, what they enjoy, how they behave. 

The narrator is a baby’s young sister whose parents are bi-racial – mum white-skinned, dad dark-skinned. At the end of the story they curl up – mum, dad, baby and sister – in bed. ‘We are lucky, lucky, lucky to have our baby!’ declares sister on the last page. Thus the book is an ode to having a baby in the family, whatever kind of family one has. 

Wild has a gift for language, with the words of this book tripping along lightly, making obvious the joys of being a baby and having a baby in one's family. Her simple sentences and joyfulness is complimented by Blair’s delicate and engaging watercolour illustrations set in lots of white background. We see a baby wrapped in a dad’s arm in a café while Dad drinks coffee and baby drops crumbs to pigeons at his feet. In another illustration, Dad reads a book to baby while his sister sits at a school desk, also reading. Then there are babies rolling, dancing, crawling and bouncing; babies playing, ‘dropping things in the toilet, or building a tower of bricks.’

Yes, the best word to describe this book is ‘joyful.’ The story can – and should – be read over and over again, and the lively and amusing pictures looked at frequently, too. This lovely book is sure to be a hit with parents who have small children and babies. And with pre-schoolers whose teachers share the book with them.

The Bush Book Club

The Bush Book Club by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Ben Wood (Omnibus Books)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-74299-014-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

All the animals in the bush love to read. They read in different places and about different things, but they all have reading in common. All, that is, except Bilby. He hates to read. He cannot sit still long enough and so Bilby is the only animal not in the Bush Book Club.

This is a wonderfully worded story. The rhythm of each page and the overall structure is satisfying to read aloud. For instance, the stories Crocodile reads make him cry. 'He sniffled and snuffled, sobbed and sighed.'

The illustrations which are bright, lively and humorous, do more than just accompany the text, they enhance the story. While the Bush Book Club meets Bilby plays on his own. 'He did a headstand. He did a handstand. A somersault. And two cartwheels.' All of these actions are accompanied by a single picture of his action. Then, on the facing page, 'He sighed. Now what?' Bilby looks small standing in front of the closed book club door, empty landscape surrounding him. His loneliness is instantly recognisable.

This effective text and illustration combination is used beautifully to illustrate the beginning of Bilby’s also interest in a book; with the pictorial focus shifting from the movement of his body to the pictures in his head.

I have a child who would rather wriggle and jiggle, twiddle and fiddle, flip and flop than sit still and read a book. But I know that if she can sit still long enough, with the right book, her imagination will be caught and she will be lost in the world between the pages. This is exactly what Bilby discovers and it is wonderful that he makes the journey all by himself. In a big, squishy, yellow and white spotted, comfy reading chair.

This is a story which will be loved by preschool children and their parents. It captures the joy of reading and shows why Margaret Wild is such a popular Australian author. 

Song of the Golden Hare

Song of the Golden Hare by Jackie Morris (Frances Lincoln/Walker Books)
HC RRP $27.95
ISBN 9781847804501
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

I confess that I’m a passionate fan of Jackie Morris’ work. Her art is beguiling and there is a sense of complete union with her subjects reflected in everything she creates. She seems to become one with nature. Everything she sees stays with her to be turned into something unforgettable for the world to enjoy.

Song of the Golden Hare is a singular and breathtaking book. The poetic prose tells of a family that adores hares. Their magical song is sung once in fifty years when a new queen is to be chosen. When others are setting their hounds on them for sport, the family is dedicated to keeping the old queen safe to ensure she will cross to the Island of the Golden Hare.

But the boy longs to hear the song of the golden hare; to catch the sound and play it on his harp. This is the tale of when the hares moved and the children followed from east to west, to catch the song of the golden hare. The boy ‘listened with his ears… and with his heart’. He wanted to replicate the sound, but he had left his harp at home.

But as with all invaluable things, someone wants to own the golden hare’s pelt.

With tears in my eyes I end this magnificent book. Not since Margaret Wild’s Fox have I been so deeply moved by a picture book. It is a stunning work of art in every sense.

After writing this book ‘Jackie discovered there is a real island off the shores of Britain… Rathlin Island, where golden hares can be found. It is believed that there are only two of them’.

Let’s Go to Sleep

Let’s Go to Sleep by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Michelle Dawson (Working Title Press)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9781921504440
Reviewed by Vicki Thornton

All over the world, in deserts and jungles, in woodlands and seas, little animals are going to sleep.

Once again Margaret Wild brings her love of language to the picture book. The soft gentle text in this book is perfect to be read out loud. It has a rhythm that is perfect for bedtime, guaranteed to settle young ones to sleep.

Dawson’s delicate illustrations, using a combination of soft pencil, ink and watercolours really bring these baby animals and their families to life.  Rendered in calm and soothing tones, they help to bring tranquillity to the book,  helping to emphasise Wild’s poetic text.

This book would make a wonderful gift for a new mum.  It would soon become a family favourite…perfect for bedtime.

Vampyre

Vampyre by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Andrew Yeo (Walker Books)
HB RRP $29.95
ISBN 9781921529221
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Is there no depth to Margaret Wild's talent? Her newest picture book Vampyre is a story with many layers. It is a powerful and emotional narrative for older readers which explores themes of love, identity and change. Wild's poetic and lyrical language wastes not one word. 

Vampyre immediately draws us into the realities of the world for the protagonist:

I am Vampyre.

Feared.

Despised.

I live in darkness.

I long for light.

Vampyre's loving family and joyous childhood has given way to what is now expected of him - a destiny that he rejects and fights against even to the point of threatening his own survival.

Newcomer Andrew Yeo's illustrations are menacing and thought-provoking, highlighting and extending the text. Vampyre's world, both internally and externally, is a dark place and it is only through his remarkable courage, shown by the increasing presence of light, that he can break free of his family's expectations and the life mapped out for him. Significantly, when he reaches the light of the natural world, the deer and doves wait for him.

Walker Books has produced two separate sets extensive teachers' notes for use in either the upper primary/lower secondary classroom or for those in upper secondary school. Vampyre is sure to be a much studied book for years to come.

2011 CBCA NSW Lady Cutler Award

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. The Children’s Book Council of Australia NSW Branch will be celebrating the 30^th anniversary of The Lady Cutler Award on 15 November. This prestigious award commemorates the contribution to the CBCA NSW Branch by Lady Helen Cutler, wife of Sir Roden Cutler, Governor of NSW. She was Patron for many years and even after Sir Roden’s retirement, she continued until her death in 1990.

The Lady Cutler Award is presented annually for Distinguished Service to Children’s Literature in New South Wales and is sponsored by Peribo. The 2011 Award will honour children’s author Margaret Wild – ‘for her dedication to her craft and to her audience and for the important place she has in the history and development of Australian children’s picture books’.

Bookings are open for the dinner at the Menzies Hotel, Sydney: $75 for CBCA members/$85 for non-members. Phone: 02 98183858 or email: cbcansw@bigpond.com

Piglet and Granny

Piglet and Granny by Margaret Wild & Stephen Michael King (Working Title Press)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9781921504204

Reviewed by Jenny Mounfield

First released a couple of years ago in hardback, this companion to CBC Notable Award winners: Piglet and Mamma and Piglet and Papa is now available in the more affordable full colour paperback.

Piglet loves nothing more than hanging out with Granny. Whenever Granny visits they have the best fun. But one day Piglet waits and waits and there’s no sign of Granny. While Piglet performs a number of feats Granny taught her, such as wobbling along walls and rolling down hills, a number of curious friends pass by and ask Piglet what she is doing.  ‘I’m waiting for her to visit,’ is Piglet’s stock response. After much waiting, and playing, Granny does, of course, come, and when she does she has a surprise in store for Piglet.

It’s easy to see why Wild has won numerous awards for her books. With such linguistic treats as this she is set to win many more:

‘Although Granny was soft and squishy, she was as lively as a family of leaping frogs. And she had such good ideas for things to do.’

King is no stranger to awards either. Most recently, Pocket Dogs Go On Holiday (Margaret Wild), Perry Angel’s Suitcase and Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle (both by Glenda Millard) have all attracted attention. In Piglet and Granny his illustrations are as always a perfect accompaniment to Wild’s narrative. His use of muted colours and a gentle style lend a wonderful innocence to the text. And as in all good picture books, the illustrations add an extra layer to the tale: As Piglet rolls and wobbles and leaps about, a succession of other small animals mimic her in the background.

Piglet and Granny is a timeless story that explores the special bond between children and their grandparents. A true delight, its success lies in its simplicity. Already a favourite of many children and grandparents, Piglet and Granny is set to win over many more fans with its second release. Highly recommended. In 2009 Margaret Hamilton awarded Piglet and Granny five stars in Bookseller & Publisher.

Jenny Mounfield is the author of three novels for kids: Storm Born (Koala Books), The Black Bandit (Lothian) and the recently released, The Ice-cream Man (Ford Street Publishing). She lives in north Brisbane with her husband and three children.